Tokyo (Yokohama)
Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Mon 18 Sep 2017

Mon 18 Sep 2017 17:00

2

At Sea

Tue 19 Sep 2017

Tue 19 Sep 2017

3

Kushiro
Overlooking the mighty Pacific Ocean in northern Japan, it should come as no surprise that this "town of mist" is a major Japanese fishing port. But although the freshly caught seafood served ashore is a highlight for many visitors, Kushiro has so much more to offer! Stroll through Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO, where a variety of coastal restaurants and boutiques delight tourists from all over. Or head inland to explore the natural wonders of this region, such as Kushiro Marsh, a lush national park and home to the country's most extensive marshland. Break out your binoculars for close-up views of the rare and graceful Japanese cranes at Tancho Nature Park. And if you're an architecture enthusiast, you'll be fascinated by the unusual structure of the Kushiro City Museum of Art, which resembles the shape of a Japanese crane spreading its wings.

Wed 20 Sep 2017 07:00

Wed 20 Sep 2017 14:00

4

Shiretoko Peninsula (Scenic Cruising)
It’s no wonder that the Shiretoko Peninsula was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 – the sheer magnificence of its unspoiled wilderness is enough to take anyone’s breath away. Towering snow-capped peaks give way to rocky cliffs, lush greenery and waterfalls that cascade into the sea. Located in the far east of the island of Hokkaido, much of the peninsula’s landscape is national parkland, protecting the conifer forests and wildlife within, which includes deer, red fox and one of the world’s largest populations of brown bears. Migratory seabirds soar high above the coastline and a variety of whales can often be spotted gliding beneath the crystal-clear waters off shore – and the best way to experience it all is from the sea.

Thu 21 Sep 2017 15:00

Thu 21 Sep 2017 18:00

5

Korsakov
Founded in 1853 as Sakhalin's first Russian military post, Korsakov would later serve as a penal colony. Ruled by Japan between 1905 and 1945, and later reclaimed by the Soviet Union, Korsakov is the place where Japan and Korea left imprint of their sojourn here on Russian culture. Though its tumultuous history includes power struggles and forced labor, the town is the perfect picture of tranquility today.

Being the south sea gateway of Sakhalin, Korsakov leads you to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the island's administrative capital and popular tourist destination. Due to Sakhalin's significant natural resources the city is surging with prosperity. Here, you can see a fascinating mix of modern buildings, museums and executive offices sitting comfortably with Russian and Japanese structures.

Fri 22 Sep 2017 06:00

Fri 22 Sep 2017 18:00

6

Otaru
In 1880, the first railroad line on the island of Hokkaido connected Sapporo, the prefectural capital, with the important port city of Otaru. Indeed, for most of the 19th and much of the 20th centuries, Otaru outshone Sapporo in importance. The city was home to a thriving herring fleet. Ships regularly plied the waters between the port and the then Japanese island of Sakhalin. Coal was mined in the hills, and Otaru even won a reputation for producing fine music boxes. It was the island's industrial heart. Closure of coal mine in Hokkaido and downturn in demand of coal initiated a long decline that lasted into the 1950s. But Otaru survived - and has thrived. Japanese travelers discovered the city, drawn to its winter sports, its fine sushi, and its historic architecture. Otaru seemed like a portrait frozen in time. Today, international travelers have flocked to experience Otaru's charms - including the scenic beauty of Hokkaido's rugged west coast and its nearby national parks.

Sat 23 Sep 2017 08:00

Sat 23 Sep 2017 21:00

7

Hakodate
It took Commodore Perry and American gunboat diplomacy to open Japan to the outside world after two centuries of self-imposed isolation. In 1859, the port of Hakodate became the first Japanese city fully opened to Westerners under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Foreigners soon flocked to Hakodate, and today visitors wandering the cobblestone streets of the city's Motomachi District can view their Western-style frame houses. Hakodate, once a fishing port famed for its high quality fish and shellfish, quickly became Hokkaido's largest city and one of Japan's most important ports. The Great Hakodate Fire of 1934 dealt the city a near fatal blow - a blow from which Hakodate was slow to recover. Today the city is Hokkaido's third largest - surpassed by Sapporo and Asahikawa - but retains its foremost position as the finest Japanese producer of sushi's raw product: the high quality seafood caught in Hokkaido's cold waters.

Sun 24 Sep 2017 12:00

Sun 24 Sep 2017 23:00

8

At Sea

Mon 25 Sep 2017

Mon 25 Sep 2017

9

Tokyo (Yokohama)
Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

Tue 26 Sep 2017 06:00

Tue 26 Sep 2017 17:00

10

At Sea

Wed 27 Sep 2017

Wed 27 Sep 2017

11

Busan
The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is your gateway to a fascinating land whose culture is a unique amalgam of old and new. Modern high-rise towers dwarf ancient Buddhist temples. The city's bustling business district offers a stark contrast to the serene grounds of Yongdusan Park. In short, Busan is a microcosm of South Korea, a nation whose startling economic success often obscures one of Asia's most sophisticated and venerable cultures.

Busan was the scene of bitter fighting during the Korean War. The United Nations Memorial Cemetery marks the final resting place for the troops from 16 nations who gave their lives during the conflict.

Thu 28 Sep 2017 14:00

Thu 28 Sep 2017 20:00

12

At Sea

Fri 29 Sep 2017

Fri 29 Sep 2017

13

Shimizu

Sat 30 Sep 2017 14:00

Sat 30 Sep 2017 21:00

14

Tokyo (Yokohama)
Yokohama and Edo began life as sleepy fishing villages. That changed in the early 17th century after Tokugawa Ieyasu became Shogun. Edo became the center of political power in Japan, a position the city retained even after the restoration of Imperial rule in 1866.

Contemporary Tokyo may be the most astonishing city on earth. It's a paradoxical mix of ancient tradition and postmodern culture. The Ginza - an international shopping mecca - stands near the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace, and the hyper-speed of 21st century consumerism is mysteriously reconciled with the elegance and serenity of traditional culture. Tokyo provides the traveler with a dizzying experience.

With the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Edo was renamed Tokyo, the "Eastern Capital," to distinguish it from the old imperial capital at Kyoto, the "Western Capital."

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